Manlius forced to replace lead piping

MANLIUS — The Manlius Village Board briefly discussed a water pipe issue at its meeting this month. The pipe has been causing water to leak and create puddles in the street.

The issue was recently discovered near the shutoff valve outside the former location of Todd’s Tire and Auto Repair business in the downtown area.

Village Superintendent Mike Rowland said when he inspected the leak, it was discovered the leak was coming from a rusted lead pipe near the shutoff value. According to Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) regulations, once a lead pipe is dug up from the ground, it must be replaced with PVC piping.

It was discussed lead materials can’t even be purchased anymore to fix the leak, which forces the village to have to replace its shutoff valve and the property owner to replace the piping going to the shutoff valve.

Mayor Rob Hewitt confirmed piping from the sidewalk up to the property is a property owner’s responsibility, and piping from the sidewalk into the road is the village’s responsibility.

The village board is hoping the property owner, who is no longer at the location but continues to have water running to the facility, will meet the village halfway to replace the old lead piping and the two can split the cost of the project.

Board member Dawn Reglin said, “If it’s got to be fixed, it’s got to be fixed.”

Hewitt said there will be more places in town where the same issue will occur because of old piping and the village’s new sewer system.

The village is hoping to get the project completed before cold weather, which could create a hazard with water freezing on the street.

The village plans to talk with the property owner to see if he is willing to complete the project in one dig and then split the cost; it was determined it might be the cheapest route for both parties. Hewitt said he would put the issue on old business for next meeting’s agenda and give an update on what will happen with the project and how much it will cost.